July 21, 2005
Magic Looping it
So, its mid July, about time to get moving on the sockapal-2-za sock, right?
I decided that to try out some new techniques for extra knitting motivation: a picot edge and the magic loop.
Magic Loop is quite cool. From the beginning, I was unconvinced that this techinique would work seamlessly. I figured there would be a seam to block out later. But there is no seam! It really is magic!
The picot edge, inspired in the most part by Claudia (see April 12 entry) , was kinda tricky. On my first try, I knit together the cast-on row with the 5th row after the YO row, rather haphazardly, and it ended up very biased (as in diagonal). So I undid that.
This morning, I was up uncharacteristically early, at 5:30 or something ridiculous, so gave it another try. This time I looked at , which recommends using an extra knitting needle to pick up the cast-on stitches. This worked - no biasing!
Here's what the back looks like:
Although the edge does seem to flare out a bit, I am hoping that will calm down with washing. It will, right?? I'm not sure if I'm up for redoing the edge again. but it is for my sock pal, so perfection is the aim..
Comments (18)
I'm still scared of the magic loop. I want to knit hot lava, but the whole looping thing has kept me from even thinking about it.
The picot edge looks beautiful!
Posted by yahaira | July 21, 2005 10:29 AM
Posted on July 21, 2005 10:29
I had a irreversibly flared faced hem for a sweater that I eventually ripped out. The solution (gleaned from a knitting machine book, no less) is to knit the private side with a slightly smaller needle, switch to larger ones after the picot row. Keep the same number of rows on each side, and the hem will stay flat. Before you knit any further, I recommend that you wet the sock down and see if it will block out.
Posted by June | July 21, 2005 10:53 AM
Posted on July 21, 2005 10:53
lucky sock pal. looks really nice. i haven't gotten into knitting socks yet -- too scary!
Posted by li | July 21, 2005 11:11 AM
Posted on July 21, 2005 11:11
I know, isn't ML great! Your sock looks gorgeous! Now we are both hooked :)
I love your green yarn down below too...
Posted by Dani | July 21, 2005 11:17 AM
Posted on July 21, 2005 11:17
Oh I really like that edge! I am going to try it on my next socks! I love the magic loop...I will never go back to 4 dps.
Posted by carolyn | July 21, 2005 12:02 PM
Posted on July 21, 2005 12:02
My secret pal gave me the book and a needle for the magic loop and I've been meaning to try it. I could maybe try it for my sherbet socks that are already started. I can switch, right? I'm not exactly sure how to use it when you have a patterned sock (i.e. the rib and cable sock that I want to try from Interweave). Now, on to your sock. I love the edge and the yarn looks yummy. Lucky sock pal!
Posted by Stephanie | July 21, 2005 12:10 PM
Posted on July 21, 2005 12:10
The Hot Lava Cardigan recommends the Magic Loop. I am up for it! Now that I can do it on 2 needles, I have to go out and buy new ones that are really long!!!! Arg...... Great sock color, what kind of yarn is it?
Posted by beth | July 21, 2005 12:32 PM
Posted on July 21, 2005 12:32
wonderful!! i love that picot edge! will definitely try on my next pair of socks. what kind of yarn are you using for the sockpal socks? looks gorgeous.
Posted by blossom | July 21, 2005 12:51 PM
Posted on July 21, 2005 12:51
got your info from "knit and shoot" - thanks for the great photos of the sock - I'm learning how to do this on my own now that Jenn is moving to Chicago!
...these photos give me some hope that my sock isn't totally a lost cause (redoing mine for the 4th time).
Sigh! I think I need a better pattern, but LOVE the trim you did on these!
Posted by Nino (Jenn's pal) | July 21, 2005 1:25 PM
Posted on July 21, 2005 13:25
I used to have that same alarm clock.
More importantly, nice picot edge - they can be kind of flar-y, but when washed it will probably lay flatter...
Posted by Jenny | July 22, 2005 1:07 AM
Posted on July 22, 2005 01:07
i'm wary too of that magic loop - and sock knitting, actually. the only time i tried, and that was with dpns, i came out with all these ladders, ugh. yours looks great though - maybe i should try again...
Posted by andrea | July 22, 2005 2:10 AM
Posted on July 22, 2005 02:10
I CANNOT do the magic loop. I'm so envious you worked it out, though I'm glad you did of course. I always get loose stitches at the join.
Great yarn colours too.
Posted by Adele | July 22, 2005 6:46 AM
Posted on July 22, 2005 06:46
I love the picot edge. And magic loop - rocks! My socks are looking better and better each time I use it.
Posted by marichan | July 22, 2005 10:21 AM
Posted on July 22, 2005 10:21
I think the picot edge is lovely - must put that on my 'to-do' list... :-)
Posted by Vicki | July 22, 2005 10:44 AM
Posted on July 22, 2005 10:44
I used magic loop method to work on my Mystery Kit and yeah, it's quite amazing. I love the colour of the yarn! Your sock pal would be a happy one! ;)
Posted by Agnes | July 22, 2005 11:03 AM
Posted on July 22, 2005 11:03
I tried the magic loop and liked it, but ended up prefering two circulars. It just seems like there is less futzing around with two rather than one. But either way, it makes it so much easier to travel with.
The sock looks smashing! I love the picot edge and the yarn.
Posted by Purly Whites | July 22, 2005 12:55 PM
Posted on July 22, 2005 12:55
Those are lovely, Diana. You have one lucky pal!
Posted by Lolly | July 22, 2005 7:52 PM
Posted on July 22, 2005 19:52
Lovely sock! I'm having a go at knitting socks on 2 circs at the moment, maybe i'll try the magic loop next.
Posted by Nichola | July 24, 2005 7:32 PM
Posted on July 24, 2005 19:32